How to deal with toxic relationships, especially as a highly sensitive person

Show Notes for the original podcast episode  with Julie Bjelland, the founder of Sensitive Empowerment, and Willow McIntosh, founder of Inluminance.

(This audio is a brief excerpt.)

HSPs [highly sensitive people] tend to be over-givers and toxic people tend to be over-takers.

This dynamic has been played out for many of us either in our families, friendships, romantic relationships, or even with work colleagues.

In healthy relationships, we should feel comfortable to be ourselves and feel good around them, you feel accepted for who you are, they can compromise and be understanding, and you can work through conflicts in healthy ways.

Recognizing Red Flags in Toxic Relationships

They might be very self-absorbed, not attentive, and have a sense of entitlement, and require excessive admiration

They put you down,  you don’t feel good about yourself when with them

Monopolize conversations or look down on people.

Ignore your needs

Take advantage of others to get what they want

Not willing to compromise or recognize the needs and feelings of others

Become impatient or angry when they don't get what they want or receive special treatment

Have significant problems in their relationships and easily feel slighted

React with rage or contempt and try to belittle the other person to make themselves appear superior

Have difficulty regulating emotions and behavior... (continued on page for the original episode)

If you are experiencing abuse in your relationship, please reach out for support and visit the national domestic violence hotline that offers free, confidential support and many resources to help too at https://www.thehotline.org/ or Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233).

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Enjoy the full length original episode "Episode 104: How to Avoid and Heal From Toxic Relationships, with Julie and Willow" - see link on the The HSP Podcast page on Julie Bjelland's Sensitive Empowerment site, where you can find her many articles, books, courses, Sensitive Community and other resources.

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Also register for free webinar by Julie Bjelland, LMFT: How to Set Healthy Boundaries and Why it’s Essential for Wellness as an HSP.

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This episode is included in article How Can Highly Sensitive People enjoy healthier relationships and deal with toxic people?

Some excerpts of the content:

People with more sensitive personalities “need help with intimacy.” Elaine Aron, PhD

“Highly sensitive people tend to be over-givers and toxic people tend to be over-takers.” Julie Bjelland, LMFT

“You can actually transform your relationship with a narcissist and feel valued, honored and respected.” Rebecca Zung

“Energy vampires are people who suck our energy dry.” Judith Orloff M.D.

“Why do some of the nicest, kindest and most thoughtful of us find ourselves painfully connected to narcissists?” Dr. Debi Silber

The image is from the movie ‘Twilight‘ - an example of toxic relationships, according to writer Melissa Girimonte, who describes the romance between vampire Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Bella (Kristen Stewart).

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